Wendy Hottenstein, airport project manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), said the project involves construction of a secured perimeter roadway system around the airfield. This will allow airport support vehicles to access all areas of the airfield without having to cross open runways and taxiways or travel on public roads. Portions of the existing six foot perimeter fencing will also be replaced with 10 foot fencing to provide additional security. Pavement rehabilitation and electrical upgrades are also part of this airfield safety improvement project. In addition, revised documents are being prepared for future airport planning purposes.

Funding Breakdown

State = $1,155,017

Milwaukee County = $1,155,017

Federal Aviation Administration = $6,930,101

The project is expected to be completed by summer 2014.

General Mitchell International Airport is one of 98 facilities included in the Wisconsin State Airport System Plan, which makes it eligible for state and federal funding. Airport improvement projects are administered through WisDOT’s Bureau of Aeronautics.